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988 national suicide prevention hotline one step closer to reality

DENVER — The Federal Communications Commission and the United States Senate are advancing measures to make 988 the national suicide prevention number.

Many people believe 911 is the number to call for a mental health emergency. However, many mental health experts say 911 is not the appropriate phone call for a mental health crisis.

National mental heath and suicide hotlines have existed for years.

1-800-273-8255 is one hotline number nationwide.

While current nationwide numbers help plenty of Americans each year, the problem is: they aren’t as memorable as 911.

Now, the FCC and the U.S. Senate are advancing measures to make 988 the national suicide prevention number.

Dr. Michael Allen, a professor at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, has been working on the idea with stakeholders nationwide for years.

”Part of the desire is not just to create a simpler number but to develop a better system,” Allen told FOX31.

In a recent report, the FCC estimates the change would cost more than $745 million over the course of the first two years.

The money would be spent to update switchboards, staff call centers and educate the public about the 988 number.

Congress and the @FCC taking steps this week to establish 9-8-8 as the nationwide suicide hotline number. Interesting this FCC report estimates first year costs at $570 million however they value saved lives at $9.6 million-which means it is paid for with 60 lives saved. pic.twitter.com/jDtHHM1NS7